1. DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT (DSE)
TRAINING PACKAGE
DISPLAY SCREEN EQUIPMENT (DSE)
Any alpha-numeric or graphic display screen, regardless of the display process involved
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /13 SLIDE NO 1

2. Why? To Avoid… VISUAL DISORDERS- EYE FATIGUE,
ACHES AND PAINS - NECK, ARMS, WRISTS, LEGS & BACK (there is almost twice as much pressure on your back when you are sitting incorrectly than there is if you stand up)
VISUAL DISORDERS- EYE FATIGUE,
HEADACHES
STRESS- MENTAL & PHYSICAL
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 2

3. And
Some of these symptoms could develop into longer term problems.
As part of the new Safety Management System if you habitually use DSE as a significant part of your normal work (i.e. under the regulations you are classed as a ‘User’) you need to carry out a DSE self assessment.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 3

4. What will it achieve? This assessment package will show you how to:
Work safely with computers to minimise risks to your health
Correctly set up your workstation
Recognise things in your working environment that may affect your well being and what to do if you find them
Assist you in completing your DSE assessment form
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 4

5. The Self Assessment Form
Print off the DSE assessment form (CYC/HS/F9A)–so you can fill it in as you work through the package
You may find it useful to work through the package with a colleague so you can help each other set up your workstations correctly
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 5

6. Testing your knowledge
At the end of the DSE self assessment there is a quiz to test you have understood all the information
To work through this assessment package and fill in the DSE assessment form should take approximately 30 minutes
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 6

7. What does CYC have to do?
Provide furniture that meets the standard in the DSE regulations
Provide equipment if identified from the DSE assessment, eg monitor stands, footrests, headsets etc
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 7

8. Also… Provide specialist ergonomic advice if necessary
Pay for eyesight tests on request up to the cost of £20; and contribute £60 towards spectacles (if required for DSE use only).
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 8

9. What does my manager need to do?
Discuss your completed DSE Workstation Assessment Checklist form and take action to resolve any problems identified
Record any decisions on action needed to resolve these issues and give details of any action taken.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 9

10. Also…
Make sure you re-assess your workstation annually, or sooner if there is any significant change, eg new software, new work routine, changes to the layout or position of the workstation etc
Allow you to take time off work to attend the opticians for an eye test and ensure there is a system in place to reimburse relevant costs.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 10

11. And…
Contact the local/service DSE Assessor if there are any problems with your assessment
Contact the H&S Team for advice if your problems are not easily resolved
Refer you to Occupational Health if the issues may be related to an underlying medical condition
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 11

12. And finally…
Ensure workplaces are adequately planned with regards to space and equipment that reaches legal standards
Encourage you to report any problems not covered in the assessment that are related to your workstation.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 12

13. Health
This section requires you to note whether or not you experience any of the symptoms identified. If ‘Yes’ provide further details in the comments box e.g
When you experience them; during or after DSE use, at home or work
Severity and duration
Left or right side
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 13

14. Firstly the chair
Your chair must be stable (5-point base), be able to swivel round, and move (castors or glides)
Your chair should be capable of giving you adequate lower back support, keeping your spine in the correct, neutral position. To do this, it needs to be adjustable for:
Seat height
Backrest height
Backrest tilt
(Seat depth
if required)
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 14

15. Chair – adjust the backrest
Adjust the back rest so that it fits comfortably into and supports the lower curve of the back
Adopt a relaxed upright posture or leaning slightly back
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 15

16. Chair – adjust the height
Set the height of the chair so feet are comfortably flat on the floor with thighs horizontal
You may need a foot rest
Ideally the desk should be just below elbow height
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 16

17. Chair – all shapes and sizes
NB: you may need other things to get
comfortable on your chair e.g. if you are:
On the short side you may need a height adjustable footrest to minimise pressure on the back of the knees
On the tall side you may need a higher backed chair or a chair with a sliding seat to give the thighs support
Over 16 stone you may need a reinforced chair
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 17

18. Desk – Height
As a general rule standard desks are usually of a suitable height for most people, however there may be problems when other furniture is used as a desk e.g. tables, fixed worktop or where the individual is particularly tall.
In these instances the desk may require raising. Ask your manager to raise this with the building manager.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 18

19. Desk – surface DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 19

20. Desk – organisation
To minimise the strain on your arms and shoulders, the things you use a lot should be placed in your “primary reach zone”. This is the area on your desk that you can easily and comfortably reach without having to lean forwards in your chair. For example, you would put your keyboard, mouse and telephone all in your primary reach zone.
Your “secondary reach zone” is the area of your desk that you have to stretch to reach. Things that you do not use as often or do not need to move should be placed there, eg monitor, processor unit, speakers etc.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 20

21. Now the screen Your computer monitor should:
Have a clear, stable, flicker free picture (report any defects to your IT team)
Be adjustable for tilt
Be adjustable for brightness and contrast
Be free from glare
Be clean
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 21

22. The screen should be sited…
In front of the user
(NOT like this!)
At the correct height with the top of the monitor level with eye line or just below
Roughly at arm’s length away
Preferably at right angles to any windows (to prevent glare from windows)
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 22

23.  Screen glare Where is the light source?
Adjust blinds, curtains – don’t work with a window directly behind you
If you tilt the screen away from the light source, does it then create a postural problem? 
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 23

24. Keyboard Should be separate from the screen Should be tiltable
Hands shouldn’t be bent at the wrist or user reaching forwards
The keys should only be touched softly, do not over stretch the fingers
Easy to read keys
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 24

25. Keyboard This is the correct wrist position
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 25

26. Mouse
The mouse should have a long enough lead to be able to be positioned close to the user’s body to avoid overuse of the shoulder by stretching to operate the mouse.
There should be sufficient room around the mouse to ensure free movement. A mouse mat with a wrist rest may improve comfort for a user who spends a significant time using a mouse.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 26

27. Mouse
If you do experience pain in your wrists, fingers or arms there are alternative mice available for trial from the Health and Safety Team.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 27

28. Mouse DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 28

29. Environment – lighting
Lighting, either too bright or too dim can lead to headaches, fatigue and eye strain.
Individual lighting requirements may vary, over time eg seasonal and age-related.
Additional desk lighting may help.
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 29

30. Environment – air movement, temperature & noise
Due to the variety of the buildings across the authority it is not always possible to maintain ideal conditions which will suit all. Things which may help – use of fans, opening windows, cool water, regular breaks, flexible working
Usually noise is not a problem in offices, however workstations should not be adjacent to noisy equipment
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 30

31. IF YOU DO NOT USE LAPTOPS GO TO SLIDE 36
Job design
It is essential that regular breaks are taken from the workstation to remove pressure from limbs, improve circulation, alter the body’s posture, change the eye’s focus and refresh the mind’s concentration.
Breaks should be short and frequent and can be a change of task e.g. filing
IF YOU DO NOT USE LAPTOPS GO TO SLIDE 36
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 31

32. Laptops Laptops are a challenge in terms of health and safety because
They are used for long periods of time in appropriate places e.g. on a sofa or a coffee table
The keyboard and screen are attached therefore cannot be set up ergonomically without additional equipment
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 32

33. Laptops – continued
If a laptop is used for a significant amount of time then alternative solutions must be sought…
either a laptop that can be set up safely away from the office
Available from Posturite
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 33

34. Laptops - continued
… or if the main use of the laptop is back in the office then a docking station must be set up
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 34

35. Laptops - continued
All other control measures outlined in this package e.g. chair, breaks etc are still applicable when using a laptop.
Laptops can be heavy. Use an appropriate carry case with a padded shoulder strap or luggage that has wheels
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 35

36. The following pictures show examples of poor practice
Bad practice
The following pictures show examples of poor practice
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 36

37. Where do your legs & feet go?!

38. Restricted space for use of mouse
Monitor at angle
Can move further back if shelf removed, or flat panel screen in place
Clutter
Restricted space for use of mouse
Footroom
Shelf behind desk moved > monitor straight ahead
Clear papers
Open drawer
Dangling cables…
Boxes blocking legs
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 38

39. Keyboard not in front of user
Monitor at an angle from chair
A long way to reach mouse!
Insufficient support for lower back?
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 39

40. Keyboard & mouse on different levels
Plenty of trip hazards!!
Keyboard & mouse on different levels
Chair arms prevent user getting close to desk
Chair back rest not fully adjustable in height or tilt
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 40

41. Monitor & keyboard at at an angle
Before…
Timberrrrr!
Clutter
Monitor & keyboard at at an angle
Trailing cables
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 41

42. Still no chair! But a much safer and healthier workstation set up
After
Still no chair! But a much safer and healthier workstation set up
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 42

43. Don’t let this be in your area!

44. What next?
Now carry out your DSE assessment, and the quiz at the end, and pass to your DSE Assessor / line manager.
Agree with your line manager implementation of the relevant control measures identified.
Review your assessment annually or if there is a change e.g. new furniture
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 44

45. What next?
If you have any physical symptoms arising from your workstation after it has been set up correctly tell you manager and complete a CYC incident report form
If you require an eye test, fill in Form CYC/HS/F9B, get it signed by your manager and take it to the opticians
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 45

46. Your assessment should be placed on your local personal file kept by your manager
THE END
DSE Self Assessment Training Package
Ref No: CYC/HS/SAP /09 SLIDE NO 46